Tank filling nozzle with automatic shutoff

ABSTRACT

A fluid dispensing nozzle incorporating an automatic shutoff mechanism responsive to the filling of a receiving tank to a level near its top is provided with mechanical means operable independently of the automatic shutoff mechanism to open a flow passage through the nozzle to permit the complete filling of a receiving tank after the shutoff mechanism has been actuated. The shutoff mechanism includes a movable, pressure-sensitive member which is displaced by a pressure differential created thereon in response to the substantial filling of a receiving tank to pivot a latch out of restraining engagement with a roller on a slide rod normally serving to hold a valve in the nozzle open. The releasing of the latch from the roller causes the slide rod to be shifted by valve spring pressure to close the nozzle valve.

llnited States Patent Murray 51 Mar. 28, 1972 TANK FILLING NOZZLE WITH AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF Primary Examiner-Edward J. Earls Attorney-Williamson, Palmatier & Bains [5 7] ABSTRACT A fluid dispensing nozzle incorporating an automatic shutoff mechanism responsive to the filling of a receiving tank to a level near its top is provided with mechanical means operable independently of the automatic shutoff mechanism to open a flow passage through the nozzle to permit the complete filling of a receiving tank after the shutoff mechanism has been actuated. The shutoff mechanism includes a movable, pressuresensitive member which is displaced by a pressure differential created thereon in response to the substantial filling of a receiving tank to pivot a latch out of restraining engagement with a roller on a slide rod normally sewing to hold a valve in the nozzle open. The releasing of the latch from the roller causes the slide rod to be shifted by valve spring pressure to close the nozzle valve.

1 1 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEU MR 2 8 1972 SHEET 1 BF 2 Z4 Z6 40 586' u 10 i I FIE 2 INVENTOR.

05.53 7 Ala/22AM TANK FILLING NOZZLE WITH AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fluid dispensing nozzles, particularly such nozzles utilized forfilling vehicle gasoline tanks from a supply pump, normally incorporate an automatic shutoff mechanism responsive to the filling of a receiving tank to a point near its top to trip a valve operating lever and thereby terminate the flow of fluid through the nozzle. The automatic shutoff mechanisms now in use commonly utilize a pressure-sensitive diaphragm which is shifted by the creation of a suction effect onone side thereof by the flow of gasoline past an aspirating passage after an air pickup tube near the outlet end of the dispensing nozzle has been covered with liquid as it rises near the top of the receiving tank. The shifting of the diaphragm trips the automatic shutoff mechanism to close a main flow control valve in the nozzle. Such an automatic shutoff arrangement for a gasoline dispensing nozzle is shown in US. Pat. No. 2,528,747. Gasoline dispensing nozzles normally have an elongated discharge nozzle which extends downwardly into the fuel tank of a vehicle and which has an air intake port located near the outer end of the nozzle. Since the discharge nozzle extends into a gasoline tank a considerable distance, the flow of fuel into the gasoline tank will be automatically terminated by pressure-actuated shutoff mechanisms of the aforesaid type when the gasoline level approaches the top of the tank and covers the air inlet on the nozzle. Thus, because of the extension of the filler nozzle downwardly into the tank, the gasoline tank is never completely filled at the time that the nozzle flow control valve is closed by the automatic shutoff mechanism. Repeated manual operation of the main operating lever for the nozzle valve is required in order to obtain additional flow of gasoline for fully filling the tank, the operating lever being tripped to a closed position by the automatic shutoff mechanism each time that it is actuated. Because of this difficulty and inconvenience associated with efforts to complete- Iy fill vehicle fuel tanks, very few tanks are fully filled, thereby causing a very considerable economic loss to service station operators over extended periods oftime.

Also, presently available fluid dispensing nozzles are subject to substantial wear and faulty operation because of substantial friction and binding of parts utilized in automatic shutoff mechanisms now available.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Having in mind the foregoing disadvantages and problems associated with automatic shutoff dispensing nozzles of the type commonly employed for filling vehicle gasoline tanks from supply pumps, l have developed an improved dispensing nozzle particularly characterized by a low friction, long life automatic shutoff mechanism in combination with a mechanical device to open a flow passage and permit the complete, full filling of a gasoline tank after the shutoff mechanism has been actuated to automatically stop fluid flow through the nozzle as the liquid in a receiving tank reaches a level near the top thereof.

My automatic shutoff mechanism is of the pressure differential, diaphragm actuated type and advantageously incorporates a latch member which is pivoted by movement of the diaphragm in and out of restraining engagement with a roller rotatably supported on one end of a slide rod utilized to shift the main valve operating lever of the dispensing nozzle to a position wherein it is not pivotally operable to open the main flow control valve. The smooth, low friction coaction between the release latch and the roller insures rapid response and long life of the automatic shutoff mechanism as it is repeatedly actuated by the pressure responsive diaphragm. The suction effect created by gasoline flowing through the main flow control passage of the dispensing nozzle is utilized to create a vacuum on one side of the pressure responsive diaphragm when a receiving tank is filled to a level covering and closing the air intake opening in the discharge nozzle communicating with said one side of the diaphragm.

In one preferred embodiment of my invention, the aforesaid full fill device takes the form of a pivotal topping-off or full fill trigger pivotally mounted on the aforesaid shiftable rod of the automatic shutoff mechanism and pivotal even with said rod shifted to the valve closing position to open the main flow control valve independently of the main operating lever to engage a valve stem on said control valve to open the nozzle and permit the continued flow of fluid therethrough. The full fill trigger normally rests on top of the main operating lever, which is also pivotally attached to the aforesaid shiftable rod of the automatic shutoff mechanism.

In another, particularly advantageous form of my invention, the full filling of a receiving tank is accomplished by the use of a second valve element in a bypass flow passage, a supplementary actuating lever connected to the stern of said valve element being utilized to manually open the bypass passage to complete the filling of a receiving tank after the automatic shutoff mechanism has moved the main operating lever to its inoperative position.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will become readily apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing one preferred embodiment of the automatic dispensing nozzle of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the dispensing nozzle similar to FIG. 1 and showing the main operating lever position immediately after the automatic shutoff mechanism has been actuated;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section view of the automatic shutoff mechanism taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 and showing the full fill lever in the position to which it is pivoted to open the main valve;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, vertical section view showing a bypass flow passage and valve element being utilized to permit fluid flow through the dispensing nozzle; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary section view similar to FIG. 6 but showing the main flow control valve being held open by the main operating lever with the bypass valve closed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, 1 have shown in FIG. I a preferred form of my improved gasoline dispensing nozzle. The nozzle apparatus is indicated generally by reference numeral l and includes an elongated discharge nozzle 2 securely attached at its inner end to a valve housing 4. Nozzle 2 is a separate piece, and is removably secured within housing 4 in fluid flow communication with internal passage 6 thereof by means of set screws 8, or any other suitable connecting and fastening means. Valve housing 4 includes a tubular handle portion 10, internal flow passage 12 of which serves as an inlet for gasoline. The flow of gasoline from inlet passage 12 outwardly through discharge nozzle 2 is controlled by valve 14 which carries a sealing ring 16 adapted to engage valve seat 18. A separate, cylindrical member 20 has valve seat 18 formed therein, and is provided with an internal flow passage 22 extending longitudinally therethrough. Valve 14 is biased towards a normally closed position on seat 18 by spring 24 which bears against a removable top plug 26 inserted in an opening at the top of valve housing 4.

Depending downwardly from valve 14 is a valve stem 28 which extends at its lower end through a packing gland 30 and is reciprocally movable therein. Conically shaped flow control member 32 is slidably mounted on valve stem 28 and is urged towards a normal position in contact with similarly shaped wall section 34 at the bottom of flow passage 22 by spring 36.

Valve 14 is raised to the open position shown in FIG. 1 by pivoting main operating lever 38 upwardly about its pivotal connection 40 with rod 42. As lever 38 is raised, it engages the lower end of valve stem 28, thereby lifting valve 14 off of seat 18. The pressure of gasoline flowing downwardly through flow passage 22 and acting on conical flow control member 32 serves to compress spring 36, whereby member 32 is forced downwardly to thereby provide an annular flow passage between member 32 and inclined wall surface 34, said annular passage diverging outwardly in the direction of fluid flow. The slidable mounting of conical member 32 on valve stem 28 against spring 36, insures that an annular flow passage will be provided at the outlet of valve chamber or passage 22 which is directly proportional to the pressure of the gasoline being introduced into inlet passage 12 from a pump. The greater the pressure of the gasoline acting on conical member 32, the more spring 36 will be compressed to thereby provide an annular outlet passage of greater area.

Operating lever 38 is advantageously held in its desired upper, valve opening position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 by a latch 44 having a plurality of notches or recesses 46 therein. A spring 48 coiled around latch pivot pin 50 serves to normally bias latch 44 outwardly to a disengaged position away from guard frame 52 as shown in FIG. 5. After operating lever 38 has been pivoted upwardly to compress spring 24 and open valve 14, latch 44 is swung inwardly to engage roller 54 on the outer end of lever 38 within one of the notches 46 of latch 44. The downward force exerted by compressed spring 24 on lever 38 provides sufficient frictional contact between roller 54 and the notch 46 within which it is received to prevent wire spring 48 from pivoting latch 44 back upwardly to its normally disengaged position.

In order to provide for the automatic closing of valve 14 when a vehicle fuel tank is filled to a substantially full level, an automatic shutoff mechanism is utilized. This mechanism incorporates as a primary element thereof rod 42 which is slidably mounted in valve housing 4 and which is normally urged towards the upwardly reciprocated position shown in FIG. 1 by spring 56 acting against enlarged head 58 at the upper end thereof. With rod 42 urged upwardly by spring 56 to the position shown in FIG. 1, pivot point or pin 40 for operating lever 48 will be at such a location as to provide sufficient leverage for lever 38 to engage and lift valve stem 28. As may be noted most clearly with reference to FIG. 3, the upper end or head 58 of rod 56 is bifurcated and carries a transverse pin 60 on which a roller 62 is rotatably mounted. A latch 64 engages the underside of roller 62, thereby serving to hold rod 42 in its upper position, even against the downward pressure exerted by spring 24 when compressed upon the raising of operating lever 38. Latch 64 is pivotally mounted on transverse pin 66 extending generally horizontally between the walls of diaphragm chamber 68, spacer sleeves 70 on pin 66 serving to hold latch 64 against lateral displacement on pin 66. A hook 72, or other suitable connecting means, serves to attach the free end of latch 64 to diaphragm 74 for movement therewith. Spring 76 bearing against the underside of cap 78 on diaphragm chamber 68 assists in holding diaphragm 74 downwardly in the position shown in FIG. 1. With diaphragm 74 so positioned, latch 64 will be pivoted downwardly to the position shown in FIG. I wherein it will move into locking engagement with roller 62 ofrod 42.

The space above diaphragm 74 in chamber 68 is connected by means of a flow passage 80 in valve body 4 with an annular space 82 formed on the inner end of discharge nozzle 2. Tube 84 extending within discharge nozzle 2 communicates annular space 82 with the atmosphere, tube 84 opening at its outer end 840 to the atmosphere through the side wall of nozzle 2. The space above diaphragm 74 also communicates, via a flow passage 86, with an annular space 88 around the periphery of cylindrical valve member 20. A plurality of small flow passages or ports 90 extend between annular space 88 and flow passage 22 through the interior of valve member 20.

In operating gasoline dispensing nozzle 1 to fill a vehicle fuel tank, operating lever 38 is gripped and pivoted upwardly about pivot point 40 of rod 42, to thereby engage and lift valve stem 28, with the result that spring 24 is compressed and valve 14 is raised off of seat 18. Latch 44 may then be pivoted inwardly against the resistance of spring 48 to engage the outer end of lever 38 and retain it in its raised position while a fuel tank is being filled. The flow of pressurized fuel past valve seat 18, through passage 22 and against the top of conical member 32 will force member 32 downwardly against the resistance of spring 36, thereby providing an annular flow space adjacent the inlets to small flow passages 90. The restricted throat provided between conically spaced flow control member 32 and walls 34 of flow passage 22 increases the velocity of the pressurized gasoline, thereby causing a suction or aspirating effect through passage 86, the space above diaphragm 74 and passage communicating through annular space 82 with air pickup tube 84. As long as outer, open end 84a of pickup tube 84 is exposed to the atmosphere, the flow of gasoline past conical control element 32 and out discharge nozzle 2 will cause air to be drawn inwardly through tube 84 and passage 80 into the space above diaphragm 74. Since the underside of diaphragm 74 is also exposed to atmospheric pressure, spring 76 will serve to hold diaphragm 74 downwardly in the position shown in FIG. 1 wherein latch 64 remains in locking engagement with roller 62 of rod 42. When the vehicle fuel tank becomes filled to the point where liquid gasoline covers intake end 84a of pickup tube 84, the continued flow of gasoline past suction passages will draw a vacuum above diaphragm 74 since intake end 84a of pickup tube 84 is now sealed from the atmosphere by liquid gasoline. The resultant reduction in pressure above diaphragm 74, and the pressure differential acting thereon in an upward direction will cause diaphragm 74 to move upwardly against the pressure of spring 76, thereby pulling latch 64 upwardly about pivot pin 66 and disengaging it from roller 62. The downward pressure being exerted by compressed spring 24, being substantially greater than that of smaller spring 56, will force rod 42 downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2, simultaneously compressing spring 56. As rod 42 moves downwardly, it of course carries pivot pin 40 and the lower end of operating lever 38 downwardly with it, thereby permitting spring 24 to force valve stem 28 downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2 with the result that valve 14 is again seated tightly on seat 18. The flow of gasoline through the gasoline nozzle 1 is thus terminated automatically.

In FIG. 2, operating lever 38 is shown at the instant after the lowering of rod 42 when its upper end is still engaged with retention latch 44. The release of the pressure of spring 24 upon the lowering of valve stem 28, will remove the frictional force tending to hold roller 54 of lever 38 in engagement with latch 44, whereby latch 44 will be released and will pivot upwardly and rearwardly to the position shown in FIG. 5, with the result that the outer end of lever 38 will drop downwardly to the position ofrest shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 1 and 5. Compressed spring 56 will then act to return rod 42 upwardly to raise pivot pin or point 40 to the upper position shown in FIG. 1 from which operating lever 38 may again be pivoted to raise valve stem 28 and commence a filling operation. Also, the termination of gasoline flow past valve 14 and the restricted, annular flow space between conical member 32 and tapered walls 34 will terminate the suction effect above diaphragm 74. With equal pressure again now acting on both sides of diaphragm 74, spring 76 will urge diaphragm 74 downwardly to the normal position of FIG. 1, whereby latch 64 will again be pivoted downwardly to engage and restrain roller 62 on the upper end of rod 42. Thus, in this manner, the various parts are returned automatically to their normal operating positrons.

It is to be noted that the use of pivotal link 64 acting against roller 62 provides a rolling, low friction contact between the only moving parts of the automatic shutoff mechanism, with the result that there will be a minimum amount of wear on these constantly moving parts. Smooth operating action of the automatic shutoff mechanism is insured by the rolling contact of latch 64 with roller 62 on rod 42. By offsetting pivot pin 66 for latch 64 laterally from the center of diaphragm 74, and also providing rod 42 at such a laterally offset position, I am able to obtain a considerable mechanical advantage in the movement of latch 64 by the attachment of its outer end to a connecting hook depending from the center of diaphragm 74. By virtue of the leverage thereby imparted to latch 64 by a very slight upward movement of diaphragm 74, my release mechanism for operating lever 38 is made extremely responsive to even a slight decrease in pressure above diaphragm 74. Thus, the instant that the pressure above diaphragm 74 is reduced by the closing ofintake end 84a of air pickup tube 84 with liquid gasoline, my latch mechanism will immediately respond to close valve 14 and prevent overfilling a tank and spilling gasoline on the ground.

One of the disadvantages of a pressure-actuated valve shutoff mechanism of the type described above is that the flow of fuel into a vehicle gasoline tank will be automatically terminated when the gasoline levelapproaches the top of the tank and covers inlet 84a of air pickup tube 84. Since nozzle 2 will be extending downwardly into the tank, the gasoline tank is never completely filled at the time that the main flow valve 14 is closed. Filling station attendants frequently try to completely fill gasoline tanks by again lifting main operating lever 38 to open valve 14 after the automatic shutoff mechanism has operated to terminate gasoline flow through dispensing nozzle 1. The problem with this method of trying to fully fill a gasoline tank is that with air port 84a of tube 84 covered with liquid gasoline, diaphragm 74 will again be forced upwardly to pivot latch 64 and permit rod 42 to be forced downwardly by spring 24 the instant that gasoline again flows past conical flow control member 32 to pull a vacuum above diaphragm 74. The result is that the instant that operating lever 38 is raised, it will again be forced downwardly with the downward movement of rod 42 to again cause valve 14 to be seated and closed on valve seat 18. Thus, the operator has to repeatedly raise operating handle 38 in order to keep spurts of gasoline flowing into a fuel tank until it is completely full. Because of this inconvenience and operating difficulty associated with presently available dispensing nozzles, vehicle fuel tanks are seldom completely filled by service station attendants. The resulting loss of gasoline sales over extended periods of time is quite substantial.

In order to overcome this difficulty and to provide a convenient means of fully filling gasoline tanks of vehicles, I have provided mechanical means which operate independently of the automatic shutoff mechanism to place nozzle inlet passage 12 in fluid flow communication with outlet or dispensing nozzle 2 to achieve the complete filling of gasoline tanks. One such mechanical means in the form of a full fill or topping off trigger or lever 92 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. Full fill lever 92 has an aperture 94 through its inner end by means of which it is mounted on the lower end of rod 42. As may be noted most clearly by reference to FIG. 4, aperture 94 is of larger diameter than rod 42, whereby lever 92 is free to pivot on rod 42. Main operating lever 38 is channel shaped as is indicated and clearly shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the upright side flanges of lever 38 being designated by reference numerals 38a and 38b. As is indicated in FIGS. 1 and 4, full flll lever 92 lies between side flanges 38a and 38b of lever 38 and normally rests on base 380 thereof. The free, outer end 92a of lever 92 extends through a slot 96 provided in the upright portion of channel base 380 of lever 38. In its normal position of nonuse, lever 92 rests against the bottom of slot 96. Lever 92 is given the angular configuration shown so that it can be mounted on rod 42 without interfering with the normal operation of lever 38, and yet still be operable as a lever means for lifting valve stem 28 independently of lever 38. A full filling or topping off operation may be carried out after the automatic shutoff mechanism has operated to close valve 14 by lifting main lever 38 and full fill lever 92 together to the position shown in FIG.

5 and then using one finger to grip free end 92a of lever 92 to pivot it upwardly to the top end of slot 96, whereby lever 92 engages and lifts valve stem 28 to raise valve 14 off of its seat as shown in FIG. 5. The inner, apertured end of lever 92 will contact the inner end of lever 38, whereby the inner end of lever 38 servesas a camming surface for lever 92 as it is pivoted upwardly by virtue of its loose, free mounting on rod 42. It will be appreciated that as soon as gasoline starts flowing through nozzle 1 diaphragm 74 will again be actuated upwardly by the suction efiect. and vacuum created above it. Thus, rod 42 will be released by link 64 and urged downwardly by the pressure of spring 24, thereby bringing pivot point 40 to the lower position shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. However, even with pivot point 40 at this lowermost position, full flow lever 92 is still operable as it is raised to the top of slot 96 to engage and lift valve stem 28 to open valve 14. Thus, during the full flow operation with lever 92, rod 42 will remain in its lowermost position and there will be no repeated opening and closing of valve 14 as long as lever 92 is held in a raised position against valve stem 28. When visual inspection indicates that the gasoline tank is full, lever 92 is released. The removal of the suction effect above diaphragm 74 when flow ceases will permit spring 56 to return rod 42 to its upper position wherein pivot point 40 will be raised to a location wherein operating lever 38 can again contact and lift valve stem 28 at the start of another filling operation.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, I have shown an-alternative version of mechanical means for fully filling a gasoline tank independently of the automatic shutoff mechanism. The full fill device shown in these figures of the drawings comprises a bypass valve passage 98 extending longitudinally through main valve element 100, which is an enlarged, and modified form of that shown at 14 in FIG. 1. Bypass passage 98 is normally closed by means of bypass valve 102 biased against seat 104 by spring 106. Main valve spring 24 holds valve in a normally closed position on main valve seat 18 in the same manner as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 5. Valve stem 108 utilized for raising main valve 100 is hollow, thereby providing an internal flow passage 110 communicating with bypass passage 98. A plurality of radially extending ports 112 in the bottom of hollow valve stem 108 connect flow passage 110 with the flow chamber within valve body 4 communicating with chamber 6 and discharge nozzle 2. Bypass valve 102 is formed on the lower end of a valve stem 114 extending upwardly through valve body closure cap 26 and having an actuating lever 116 attached to the outer end thereof. Lever 116 is attached to valve stem 114 by means of pivot pin 118 defining a horizontal axis about which lever 116 may be pivoted in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In the embodiment shown, lever 116 is channel shaped, and the side walls thereof are angled as shown to provide cam contact points 119 and 120 on the bottom surface of lever 116, which normally abut against the top of closure plug 26. A transverse slot 122 in top plug 26 receives pivotal lever 1 16.

When using main operating lever 38 to open main valve 100, as shown in FIG. 7, bypass valve f02 remains seated against the top of bypass passage 98 against seat 104 by the action of spring 106. After the pressure responsive, automatic shutoff mechanism has operated to lower lever 38 to close valve 100 against seat 18, lever 116 may be utilized to top-off or fully fill a gasoline tank. This is accomplished by applying thumb pressure to either end of lever 116 to pivot it against the top of closure plug 26. With lever 116 pivoted in a clockwise direction as shown in' FIG. 6, camming contact point 119 will provide the upward leverage required to lift valve stem 114 and raise bypass valve 102 off of seat 104 as lever 116 is pivoted to the position shown in FIG. 6. With valve 102 held upon by thumb pressure on lever 116, gasoline can now flow through bypass passage 98, hollow valve stem passage 110 and out radial discharge ports 112 and thence through the valve body and discharge nozzle 2 into a gasoline tank. Release of thumb pressure on lever I16 upon the full filling of the gasoline tank permits spring 106 to return valve 102 to a tightly seated position on valve seat 104.

The primary advantage offered by the full fill mechanism of FIGS. 6 and 7 is that it does not require the opening of main flow control valve 100 for its operation. As a result of bypassing main valve seat 18 and flow passage 28 by directing gasoline through hollow valve stem 108, no suction or aspirating effect takes place through passages 80 and 86 during the topping off or full filling operation. Thus, no gasoline is drawn up into the space above diaphragm 74 during the full filling operation, as would otherwise happen with flow past the main valve port after air pickup tube inlet 84a is immersed in gasoline. The problem with drawing gasoline into the diaphragm chamber above diaphragm 74 is that gasoline thus blocks air pickup tube 84 when operating lever 38 is again raised to fill another gasoline tank, thereby preventing air from being drawn into the space above diaphragm 74 by the suction effect of gasoline flowing past the main valve port. The result is that the pressure above diaphragm 74 is immediately reduced in the same manner as when air intake port 84a is immersed in a substantially full gasoline tank, and the pressure responsive shutoff mechanism will keep tripping rod 42 and operating lever 38 to their downwardly shifted positions of FIG. 2 so that the operator will not be able to hold main valve 14 open. Normal operation of the dispensing nozzle can not again be resumed until all gasoline has drained out of the space above diaphragm 74 and tube 84. This problem is obviated by bypassing the main valve seat and directing gasoline through hollow valve stem 108 during a topping off or full filling operation.

Although I have shown and described my improved gasoline dispensing nozzle with respect to particular embodiments thereof, I appreciate that various changes may be made in the size, proportions and arrangement of the various parts of the dispensing nozzle without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A fluid dispensing nozzle comprising:

a valve housing having an inlet passage therein connected by a flow control passage with a discharge nozzle;

a main valve operative to control the flow of fluid through said passage;

a main operating lever operatively associated with said main valve and shiftable between valve opening and closing positions to thereby open and close said flow control passage;

an automatic shutoff mechanism operative in response to the attainment of a predetermined liquid level in a tank being filled by said dispensing nozzle to shift said lever to said valve closing position to terminate fluid flow through said passage; and

full fill means manually operable regardless of the position of said automatic shutoff mechanism to open flow passage means placing said inlet passage in fluid flow communication with said discharge nozzle to thereby permit the complete filling ofa receiving tank.

2. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said full fill means comprises a second lever shiftable into operative engagement with said main valve to open said main valve and said flow control passage independently ofsaid main operating lever.

3. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said main valve has an elongated valve stem attached thereto, and both said main operating lever and said second lever are pivotally movable into engagement with one end of said valve stem to thereby move said main valve to open said flow control passage, said second lever being interposed between said main operating lever and said one end of said valve stem.

4. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 3 wherein:

said automatic shutoff mechanism includes a rod shiftable along its longitudinal axis and having both said main operating lever and said second lever pivotally mounted on one end thereof, said rod being automatically shifted in response to the attainment of said predetermined liquid level to a position wherein said main operating lever is inoperative by its pivotal movement to open said main valve and said flow control passage, but wherein said second lever may be pivoted against said valve stem with sufficient leverage to open said main valve and said flow control passage.

5. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said full fill means comprises bypass passage means interconnecting said inlet passage and said discharge nozzle and bypassing said flow control passage, said bypass passage means being normally closed by a separate valve element operative between closed and open positions with respect to said bypass passage means by means of an actuating lever movable separately and independently of said main operating lever to permit the opening of said bypass passage means when said main operating lever has been shifted to close said main valve by said automatic shutoff mechanism.

6. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said bypass passage means comprises an opening extending through the body of said main valve and arranged in fluid flow communication with an internal passage extending longitudinally through an elongated valve stem connected to said main valve and having a free end adapted to be engaged by said main operating lever, outlet ports extending through the wall of said main valve stem serving to place said internal passage therein in fluid flow communication with said discharge nozzle.

7. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 6 wherein:

said opening in said main valve body has a valve seat therein communicating with said inlet passage within which said valve element is normally seated, said valve element being connected to an elongated stem extending upwardly through the top of said valve housing and having said actuating lever pivotally attached thereto at a point outside of said valve housing, the pivotal movement of said actuating lever against the top of said valve housing serving to cam said valve stem upwardly to open said valve element and permit fluid flow through said bypass passage means.

8. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said valve element is connected to a valve stem extending externally of said valve housing to a point of connection with said actuating lever.

9. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said main valve is held in a normally closed position by a compression spring which is compressed as said valve is opened by the shifting movement of said operating lever to said valve opening position; and

wherein said automatic shutoff mechanism comprises a pressure sensitive member connected to a pivotal latch member at a location remote from said latch member's pivot point, said latch member normally engaging a roller rotatably mounted on one end of a slide rod having said main operating lever pivotally connected to the opposite end thereof, the engagement of said latch member with said roller serving to hold said rod in a first position wherein the pivotal connection between said rod and said lever is so located as to permit said lever to be pivoted in such a way as to open said main valve; and

means for creating a pressure imbalance across said pressure sensitive member in response to the rising of fluid in said tank being filled to said predetermined level to thereby move said pressure sensitive member and thus pivot said latch member out of engagement with said roller to thus permit said compressed valve spring to urge said rod to a second position wherein said pivotal connection with said operating lever is so located as to render said lever inoperative to hold said main valve open, whereby said main valve is closed.

10. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 9 wherein:

said pressure sensitive member is exposed to atmospheric pressure on one side thereof and said means for creating a pressure imbalance across said pressure sensitive member comprises air passage means communicating the opposite side of said pressure sensitive member with suction ports communicating with said flow control passage and an air intake opening located in said discharge nozzle at a point where said opening will be covered with fluid when said tank has been filled to a substantially full level with said nozzle inserted therein, said air passage means including an annular space formed in the inner end of said discharge nozzle between said nozzle and said valve body and tubular means connecting said annular space with said air intake opening in said discharge nozzle, whereby the suction effect created by fluid flowing through said flow control passage after said air intake opening has been closed by fluid rising in said receptacle over said discharge nozzle will draw a vacuum on said opposite side of said pressure sensitive member with the result that said member will be moved in response to the pressure imbalance thereby created across said member. 11. A fluid dispensing nozzle comprising:

a valve housing having an inlet passage therein connected by a flow control passage with a discharge nozzle;

a main valve seated in said flow control passage in a normally closed position and having an elongated valve stem connected thereto;

a main operating lever shiftable from a valve closing position to a valve opening position in engagement with one end of said valve stem to displace said valve stem and open said main valve;

an automatic shutoff mechanism operative in response to the attainment of a predetermined liquid level in a receptacle being filled by said dispensing nozzle to shift said main operating lever to said valve closing position to terminate fluid flow through said flow control passage; and

bypass passage means extending through the body of said main valve and said valve stem and interconnected said inlet passage with said discharge nozzle, said bypass passage means being normally closed by a valve element connected to an actuating lever at a point outside of said valve housing, said actuating lever being movable separately and independently of said main operating lever, whereby said actuating lever may be utilized to open said valve element and permit fluid flow through said bypass passage means to fully fill a receptacle after said automatic shutoff mechanism has shifted said main operating lever to said valve closing position. 

1. A fluid dispensing nozzle comprising: a valve housing having an inlet passage therein connected by a flow control passage with a discharge nozzle; a main valve operative to control the flow of fluid through said passage; a main operating lever operatively associated with said main valve and shiftable between valve opening and closing positions to thereby open and close said flow control passage; an automatic shutoff mechanism operative in response to the attainment of a predetermined liquid level in a tank being filled by said dispensing nozzle to shift said lever to said valve closing position to terminate fluid flow through said passage; and full fill means manually operable regardless of the position of said automatic shutoff mechanism to open flow passage means placing said inlet passage in fluid flow communication with said discharge nozzle to thereby permit the complete filling of a receiving tank.
 2. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein: said full fill means comprises a second lever shiftable into operative engagement with said main valve to open said main valve and said flow control passage independently of said main operating lever.
 3. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 2 wherein: said main valve has an elongated valve stem attached thereto, and both said main operating lever and said second lever are pivotally movable into engagement with one end of said valve stem to thereby move said main valve to open said flow control passage, said second lever being interposed between said main operating lever and said one end of said valve stem.
 4. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 3 wherein: said automatic shutoff mechanism includes a rod shiftable along its longitudinal axis and having both said main operating lever and said second lever pivotally mounted on one end thereof, said rod being automatically shifted in response to the attainment of said predetermined liquid level to a position wherein said main operating lever is inoperative by its pivotal movement to open said main valve and said flow control passage, but wherein said second lever may be pivoted against said valve stem with sufficient leverage to open said main valve and said flow control passage.
 5. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein: said full fill means comprises bypass passage means interconnecting said inlet passage and said discharge nozzle and bypassing said flow control passage, said bypass passage means being normally closed by a separate valve element operative between closed and open positions with respect to said bypass passage means by means of an actuating lever movable separately and independently of said main operating lever to permit the opening of said bypass passage means when said main operating lever has been shifted to close said main valve by said automatic shutoff mechanism.
 6. A fluid dispensing nozzlE as defined in claim 5 wherein: said bypass passage means comprises an opening extending through the body of said main valve and arranged in fluid flow communication with an internal passage extending longitudinally through an elongated valve stem connected to said main valve and having a free end adapted to be engaged by said main operating lever, outlet ports extending through the wall of said main valve stem serving to place said internal passage therein in fluid flow communication with said discharge nozzle.
 7. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 6 wherein: said opening in said main valve body has a valve seat therein communicating with said inlet passage within which said valve element is normally seated, said valve element being connected to an elongated stem extending upwardly through the top of said valve housing and having said actuating lever pivotally attached thereto at a point outside of said valve housing, the pivotal movement of said actuating lever against the top of said valve housing serving to cam said valve stem upwardly to open said valve element and permit fluid flow through said bypass passage means.
 8. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 5 wherein: said valve element is connected to a valve stem extending externally of said valve housing to a point of connection with said actuating lever.
 9. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein: said main valve is held in a normally closed position by a compression spring which is compressed as said valve is opened by the shifting movement of said operating lever to said valve opening position; and wherein said automatic shutoff mechanism comprises a pressure sensitive member connected to a pivotal latch member at a location remote from said latch member''s pivot point, said latch member normally engaging a roller rotatably mounted on one end of a slide rod having said main operating lever pivotally connected to the opposite end thereof, the engagement of said latch member with said roller serving to hold said rod in a first position wherein the pivotal connection between said rod and said lever is so located as to permit said lever to be pivoted in such a way as to open said main valve; and means for creating a pressure imbalance across said pressure sensitive member in response to the rising of fluid in said tank being filled to said predetermined level to thereby move said pressure sensitive member and thus pivot said latch member out of engagement with said roller to thus permit said compressed valve spring to urge said rod to a second position wherein said pivotal connection with said operating lever is so located as to render said lever inoperative to hold said main valve open, whereby said main valve is closed.
 10. A fluid dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 9 wherein: said pressure sensitive member is exposed to atmospheric pressure on one side thereof and said means for creating a pressure imbalance across said pressure sensitive member comprises air passage means communicating the opposite side of said pressure sensitive member with suction ports communicating with said flow control passage and an air intake opening located in said discharge nozzle at a point where said opening will be covered with fluid when said tank has been filled to a substantially full level with said nozzle inserted therein, said air passage means including an annular space formed in the inner end of said discharge nozzle between said nozzle and said valve body and tubular means connecting said annular space with said air intake opening in said discharge nozzle, whereby the suction effect created by fluid flowing through said flow control passage after said air intake opening has been closed by fluid rising in said receptacle over said discharge nozzle will draw a vacuum on said opposite side of said pressure sensitive member with the result that said member will be moved in response to the pressure imbalance thereby created across said member.
 11. A fluid dispensing nozzle comprising: a valve housing having an inlet passage therein connected by a flow control passage with a discharge nozzle; a main valve seated in said flow control passage in a normally closed position and having an elongated valve stem connected thereto; a main operating lever shiftable from a valve closing position to a valve opening position in engagement with one end of said valve stem to displace said valve stem and open said main valve; an automatic shutoff mechanism operative in response to the attainment of a predetermined liquid level in a receptacle being filled by said dispensing nozzle to shift said main operating lever to said valve closing position to terminate fluid flow through said flow control passage; and bypass passage means extending through the body of said main valve and said valve stem and interconnecting said inlet passage with said discharge nozzle, said bypass passage means being normally closed by a valve element connected to an actuating lever at a point outside of said valve housing, said actuating lever being movable separately and independently of said main operating lever, whereby said actuating lever may be utilized to open said valve element and permit fluid flow through said bypass passage means to fully fill a receptacle after said automatic shutoff mechanism has shifted said main operating lever to said valve closing position. 